JP2023055617A - impeller guard - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a guard for impellers, and the like.SOLUTION: A guard for an impeller having at least first and second blades comprises upper and lower annular rings and first and second brace members. The first brace member has an inside wall in contact with the lower annular ring. A front or rear wall of the first brace member faces a front or rear face of the first blade and forms a second side of a first blade receiving groove. The second brace member has an inside wall in contact with the lower annular ring. A front or rear wall of the second brace member faces a front or rear face of the second blade and forms a second side of a second blade receiving groove. The first and second brace members have vertical slots for receiving inner edge portions of the first and second blades, respectively, and catches for lockably receiving lower edge portions of the first and second blades, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The preparation of fluids, particularly solutions and suspensions in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, usually requires sufficient agitation to obtain the desired distribution of ingredients in the product. Many agitation operations are performed in bioreactor bags with agitation impellers mounted near the base of the vessel. Various impellers having different sized impeller hubs, impeller blades, and/or blade configurations can be used for agitation.

[0002] However, damage to the bioreactor bag can compromise the sterility of the fluid within the bag, leading to loss of valuable fluid.

[0003] The present invention provides an amelioration of at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art. These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description provided below.

[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides a guard for an impeller having at least first and second blades. The at least first blade and the second blade each have a blade front surface, a blade rear surface, an upper edge, an outer edge, and an upper outer corner where the upper edge contacts the outer edge. It has an upper outer corner, a lower edge and an inner edge. The guard includes (A) an upper annular ring having an upper annular ring horizontal axis and a first inner diameter, having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface defining at least a first side and a second side; a first blade receiving groove for receiving the upper outer corner of the first blade; and a second blade receiving groove for receiving the upper outer corner of the second blade, having a first side and a second side. (B) a lower annular ring having a horizontal axis of the lower annular ring and a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; and (C) each an upper annular ring and the lower annular ring, each disposed vertically between the upper and lower annular rings at right angles to the upper and lower annular ring horizontal axes. and a second brace member. (1) The first brace member includes a first brace member front wall, a first brace member rear wall, a first brace member outer wall, and a first brace member inner wall in contact with the lower annular ring. The first brace member front wall or the first brace member rear wall is arranged to face the blade front surface or the blade rear surface of the first blade, and the first blade receiving groove of the first defining two sides, (a) a first brace member having a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the first blade; and a vertical slot for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the first blade; (2) the second brace member contacts the second brace member front wall, the second brace member rear wall, the second brace member outer wall and the lower annular ring; a second brace member inner wall, wherein the second brace member front wall or the second brace member rear wall is arranged to face the blade front surface or the blade rear surface of the second blade; (b) a second brace member having a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade and a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade; and a catch for lockably receiving the portion.

[0005] In another aspect, an impeller assembly is provided, the impeller assembly each having a blade forward surface, a blade rearward surface, a top edge, an outer edge, and an upper outer corner where the top edge contacts the outer edge. an impeller having at least first and second blades having a portion, a lower edge and an inner edge; and a guard according to one aspect of the invention attached to the impeller.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a method is provided for attaching an aspect of a guard to an impeller. The method includes the steps of locating the inner edges of the blades of the impeller in vertical slots of respective brace members; locating the upper outer corners of the blades of the impeller in respective blade receiving grooves; in the catch of each brace member.

[0007] In yet another aspect, an impeller system is provided that includes an aspect of an impeller assembly, a pin, and a seat mount.

[0008] Another aspect relates to a biocontainer system. The biocontainer system includes (a) an enclosed interior volume suitable for containing a fluid, comprising a bottom wall, a top wall, and at least one side wall joined to the top and bottom walls. A bio-container comprising a vessel, at least an inlet port and a drain port, the bio-container further comprising (b) one aspect of an impeller system, the impeller being attached to the inner surface of the bottom wall of the bio-container.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a guard for an impeller according to one aspect of the invention; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a guard for an impeller according to one aspect of the invention; 1B is a top view of the embodiment of the guard shown in FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the embodiment of the guard shown in FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B is a side view of the embodiment of the guard shown in FIG. 1A; FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of an impeller suitable for use with a guard according to one aspect of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a top view of an impeller suitable for use with a guard according to one aspect of the invention; 5 is a top view of an impeller assembly according to one aspect of the invention with the guard shown in FIG. 1A attached to the impeller shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 5 is a top view of an impeller assembly according to one aspect of the invention with the guard shown in FIG. 1A attached to the impeller shown in FIG. 4; FIG. To attach the impeller system to a biocontainer comprising the impeller assembly shown in FIG. 5A, wherein the impeller has a central opening, a pin and seat attachment, and a closed vessel having an interior volume for containing a fluid: 1 is a perspective view of an impeller system according to one aspect of the invention, with pins entering the seat mount through a central opening; FIG. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a pin; It is a perspective view from the upper direction of a sheet|seat attachment part. Impeller in a biocontainer comprising an impeller assembly comprising a base (with the guard removed for clarity) containing bearings within a frame, and a closed vessel comprising a pin and seat attachment and having an interior volume for containing the fluid. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an impeller system according to another aspect of the invention, with pins entering the seat mount through the central opening to mount the system; 7B is a cross-sectional view of the impeller system shown in FIG. 7A; FIG. A bio-container according to an aspect of the invention comprising a bio-container comprising a closed vessel having an internal volume for containing a fluid, including the impeller system embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, wherein the impeller is attached to the bio-container. 1 is a side view of the system; FIG.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention is to provide each of: a blade leading face, a blade trailing face, a top edge, an outer edge, an upper outer corner where the top edge contacts the outer edge, a lower edge, and an inner edge a guard for an impeller having at least a first blade and a second blade, comprising: (A) an upper annular ring having an upper surface and a lower surface; an upper annular ring having a horizontal axis and a first inner diameter; a first blade-receiving groove for receiving the upper outer corner of the first blade, the lower surface having at least a first side and a second side; (B) a lower annular ring horizontal axis and a first inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; (C) each attached to the upper and lower annular rings, each extending perpendicularly to the upper and lower annular ring horizontal axes; At least a first brace member and a second brace member vertically disposed between the ring and the lower annular ring, wherein: (1) the first brace member intersects the first brace member front wall; , a first brace member rear wall, a first brace member outer wall, and a first brace member inner wall in contact with the lower annular ring; A rear wall is positioned to face the front blade surface or the rear blade surface of the first blade and forms a second side surface of the first blade receiving groove; (2) a second brace member having a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of one blade and a catch for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the first blade; a second brace member front wall, a second brace member rear wall, a second brace member outer wall, and a second brace member inner wall in contact with the lower annular ring; a wall or second brace member rear wall disposed to face the blade front or blade rear surface of the second blade and forming a second side of the second blade receiving groove; at least a first brace, wherein the two brace members have a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade and a catch for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the second blade; A guard is provided, comprising a member and a second brace member.

[0018] In some aspects of the guard, the lower surface of the upper annular ring forms a first side of the first blade-receiving groove spaced a distance from the leading blade surface or the trailing blade surface of the first blade. and a second projection forming a first side of the second blade-receiving groove spaced a distance from the blade front or blade rear face of the second blade.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, in some aspects, the first brace member inner wall forms a portion of a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the first blade. A member extension is included and the second brace member inner wall includes a second brace member extension forming a portion of the vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, in some aspects, the first brace member includes a first brace member bottom end including a catch for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the first blade. The second brace member has a second brace member bottom end including a catch for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the second blade.

[0021] In some aspects, the catch of the first brace member and the catch of the second brace member each comprise a hook.

[0022] In another aspect, each comprises a blade leading face, a blade trailing face, a top edge, an outer edge, an upper outer corner where the top edge contacts the outer edge, a lower edge, and an inner edge. and a guard for the impeller, comprising: (A) an upper annular ring having a top surface and a bottom surface and having a horizontal axis and a first inner diameter; an annular ring, a first blade-receiving groove for receiving the upper outer corner of the first blade, the lower surface having at least a first side and a second side; (B) a lower annular ring horizontal axis and smaller than the first inner diameter; a lower annular ring having a second inner diameter; At least a first brace member and a second brace member vertically disposed between the annular ring and the lower annular ring, wherein: (1) the first brace member extends from the first brace member front wall; a first brace member rear wall, a first brace member outer wall, and a first brace member inner wall in contact with the lower annular ring; a member rear wall disposed to face either the front blade surface or the rear blade surface of the first blade and forming a second side surface of the first blade receiving groove; (a) a first brace member; (2) a second brace member having a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the first blade and a catch for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the first blade; a second brace member front wall, a second brace member rear wall, a second brace member outer wall, and a second brace member inner wall in contact with the lower annular ring; a front wall or a rear wall of the second brace member disposed to face the front or rear blade surface of the second blade and forming a second side of the second blade receiving groove; (b) A second brace member defines a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade and a catch attached to the impeller for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the second blade. An impeller assembly is provided comprising: a guard comprising at least a first brace member and a second brace member.

[0023] In yet another aspect, each comprises: a blade leading face, a blade trailing face, a top edge, an outer edge, a top outer corner where the top edge contacts the outer edge, a bottom edge, and an inner edge and a guard for the impeller, comprising: (A) an upper annular ring having a horizontal axis and a first inner diameter, having a top surface and a bottom surface; an upper annular ring, a lower surface having at least a first side surface and a second side surface, a first blade receiving groove for receiving the upper outer corner of the first blade; (B) a lower annular ring horizontal axis and greater than the first inner diameter; (C) each attached to the upper and lower annular rings, each perpendicular to the upper and lower annular ring horizontal axes; At least a first brace member and a second brace member vertically disposed between an upper annular ring and a lower annular ring, wherein: (1) the first brace member is forward of the first brace member; a first brace member rear wall; a first brace member outer wall; and a first brace member inner wall in contact with the lower annular ring; A brace member rear wall is positioned to face the blade front or blade rear surface of the first blade and forms a second side of the first blade receiving groove, (a) the first brace member; , a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the first blade and a catch for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the first blade; (2) a second brace member; , a second brace member front wall, a second brace member rear wall, a second brace member outer wall, and a second brace member inner wall in contact with the lower annular ring; the member front wall or the second brace member rear wall is arranged to face the blade front or blade rear surface of the second blade and forms a second side of the second blade receiving groove; ) the second brace member has a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade and a catch attached to the impeller for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the second blade; An impeller system is provided, comprising: one aspect of an impeller assembly comprising: a guard comprising at least a first brace member and a second brace member having a; a pin; and a seat attachment.

[0024] In another aspect, (a) an interior volume suitable for containing a fluid, comprising a bottom wall, a top wall, and at least one side wall joined to the top and bottom walls; and at least an inlet port and a drain port, each comprising (b) a front blade surface, a rear blade surface, a top edge, an outer edge, and an impeller having at least a first blade and a second blade having an upper outer corner, a lower edge, and an inner edge in contact with the impeller; and a guard for the impeller, comprising (A) an upper surface and a lower surface; an upper annular ring having a horizontal axis and a first inner diameter, the lower surface receiving the upper outer corner of the first blade having at least a first side surface and a second side surface; an upper annular ring including a first blade-receiving groove for receiving a second blade-receiving groove having a first side and a second side for receiving the upper outer corner of a second blade; (B) a lower annular ring having a horizontal axis of the lower annular ring and a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; (C) each attached to the upper annular ring and the lower annular ring; at least a first brace member and a second brace member disposed vertically between the upper and lower annular rings at right angles to the ring horizontal axis and the lower annular ring horizontal axis, comprising: 1) The first brace member comprises a first brace member front wall, a first brace member rear wall, a first brace member outer wall, and a first brace member inner wall in contact with the lower annular ring. The first brace member front wall or the first brace member rear wall is arranged to face the blade front surface or the blade rear surface of the first blade, and the second blade receiving groove of the first blade (a) a first brace member for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the first blade and a vertical slot for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the first blade; (2) the second brace member contacts the second brace member front wall, the second brace member rear wall, the second brace member outer wall and the lower annular ring; two brace member inner walls, the second brace member front wall or the second brace member rear wall being arranged to face the blade front surface or the blade rear surface of the second blade; (b) a second brace member attached to the impeller with a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade; a guard comprising at least a first brace member and a second brace member having a catch for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the impeller assembly; a pin; A bio-container system is provided, further comprising an aspect of the impeller system comprising: a bio-container, wherein the impeller is attached to an inner surface of a bottom wall of the bio-container.

[0025] In yet another aspect, a method for attaching one aspect of a guard to an impeller comprising the steps of locating inner edges of blades of the impeller in vertical slots of respective brace members; A method is provided that includes the steps of placing a section into respective blade receiving grooves and placing lower edges of blades of the impeller into catches of respective brace members.

[0026] Aspects of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in closed systems and/or aseptic systems.

[0027] Each of the components of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. Similar components have similar reference numerals.

[0028] Although suitable impellers can have various configurations and any number of blades, FIGS. 1002A, 1002B; 1003A, 1003C; and 1004A, 1004B. 1000 shows an exemplary impeller 1000 with Each blade has an upper edge 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, an outer edge 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, an upper outer corner 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034 where the upper edge contacts the outer edge, and a lower edge. It has edges 1041 , 1042 , 1043 , 1044 and inner edges 1051 , 1052 , 1053 , 1054 .

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the impeller is a magnetic impeller, and in some embodiments, a levitated magnetic impeller. Optionally, at some point, a removable metal plate may be placed in contact with the bottom surface of the magnetic impeller to minimize, if not eliminate, the effect of the magnetic field on nearby devices or components. You can provide a restraining guard.

[0030] Using the aspects shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3 for reference, each represents a leading blade surface, a trailing blade surface, a top edge, an outer edge, An impeller having at least a first blade and a second blade (such as the impeller shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) having an upper outer corner with the upper edge contacting the outer edge, a lower edge, and an inner edge. ) is an upper annular ring 100 having an upper annular ring horizontal axis HA1 (FIG. 3) and a first inner diameter 175 having an upper surface 101 and a lower surface 102, the lower surface being at least a first a first blade-receiving groove 371 (see FIG. 5A) for receiving the upper outer corner of the first blade, having a side 371A and a second side 371B (see FIG. 2B); and a second blade receiving groove 372 for receiving the upper outer corner of a second blade having a second side 372B. In the exemplary embodiment, the impeller includes four blades, and the guards are 373A on respective first and second sides for receiving the upper outer corners of each of the third and fourth blades. , 373B, 374A, 374B.

[0031] In the exemplary aspect, the lower annular ring 200 has a lower annular ring horizontal axis HA2 (Fig. 3) and a second inner diameter 275 that is less than the first inner diameter 175, and at least the first brace member 301 and a second brace member 302, each attached to an upper annular ring and a lower annular ring, respectively perpendicular to the upper and lower annular ring horizontal axes. The first brace member 301 includes a first brace member front wall 301A, a first brace member rear wall 301B, a first brace member outer wall 301C, and a first brace member front wall 301A. a first brace member inner wall 301D in contact with the lower annular ring, the first brace member front wall or the first brace member rear wall facing the blade front or blade rear surface of the first blade; forming a second side 371B of the first blade-receiving groove 371, and (a) the first brace member defines a vertical slot 361 for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the first blade; , and a catch 381 for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the first blade (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), the second brace member 302 includes a second brace member front wall 302A and a , a second brace member rear wall 302B, a second brace member outer wall 302C, and a second brace member inner wall 302D in contact with the lower annular ring; The brace member rear wall is arranged to face the blade front surface or the blade rear surface of the second blade, forming the second side surface 372B of the second blade receiving groove 372, (b) the second The brace member has a vertical slot 362 for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade and a catch 382 for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the second blade. In the illustrated embodiment, the impeller includes four blades and the guards include respective front, rear, outer and inner walls 303A, 303B, 303C, 303D, 304A, 304B, 304C, 304D, vertical slots 363, 364 , and catches 383 , 384 .

[0032] Optionally (see FIG. 2B), the lower surface 102 of the upper annular ring is the first blade-receiving groove 371 spaced a distance from the blade front or blade rear surface of the first blade. A first projection 351 (shown as a double projection if high stiffness is desired) forming a side 371A of the second blade, spaced a distance from the blade front or blade rear face, the second and a second protrusion 352 (shown as a double protrusion if greater robustness is desired) that forms a first side 372A of two blade receiving grooves 372 . The exemplary embodiment also forms the first sides 353A, 354A of the respective third blade receiving groove 373 and fourth blade receiving groove 374 (each shown as double lugs where increased robustness is desired). A third protrusion 353 and a fourth protrusion 354 are also shown. If desired, the upper corners of the projections leading to the first side of the blade receiving groove can be bent downward to facilitate guidance of the upper outer corners of the blades into the blade receiving groove (351A, 352A). , 353A, and 354A).

[0033] Preferably, the first brace member inner wall 301D includes a first brace member extension 311 forming part of a vertical slot 361 for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the first blade, Two brace member inner walls 302D include a second brace member extension 312 forming part of a vertical slot 362 for receiving a portion of the inner edge of the second blade. The illustrated embodiment also shows third and fourth brace member inner walls including extensions 313,314 that form vertical slots 363,364. By way of example, the brace member inner wall can include a "J-shaped", "L-shaped", or "C-shaped" arm that forms one interior side of the slot, and the brace member front or rear wall can include: Form opposing inner sides of the slot (see, eg, arm 311A and front wall 301A in FIG. 1A).

[0034] In the illustrated aspect, the first brace member 301 has a first brace member bottom end 331 that includes a catch 381 for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the first blade ( 5A), the second brace member 302 has a second brace member bottom end 332 that includes a catch 382 for lockably receiving a portion of the lower edge of the second blade. The illustrated embodiment also shows a third brace member bottom end 333 and a fourth brace member bottom end 334 including catches 383,384.

[0035] Preferably, brace member catches 381, 382 each have hooks 391, 392 (curved or bent back at an angle) to facilitate lockable reception of a portion of the lower edge of the blade. The figure also shows catches 383, 384 with hooks 393, 394, respectively.

[0036] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate aspects of the guard 500 shown in FIG. 1A engaging aspects of the impeller 1000 shown in FIG. 2000 shows an impeller assembly 2000 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Thus, the inner edge of the blade is positioned within the vertical slot of the guard, and the upper outer corner of the blade is positioned in the blade receiving groove, optionally after contact with the projection, into the bent portion of the projection. The contact assists in guiding the upper outer corner into the blade receiving groove and a portion of the lower edge of the blade is lockably received in the catch. In this context, "lockably received" indicates that the lower edge of the blade is difficult to remove from the catch.

[0037] Figure 6A depicts an embodiment of the impeller assembly shown in Figures 5A and 5B, wherein the assembly further comprises a pin 1300 and seat attachment 1350 for attachment to a biocontainer (biocontainer 4001 shown in Figure 8). 300 shows a perspective view of an impeller assembly 3000 comprising, according to one aspect of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6B, the exemplary pin 1300 has a head 1301, a tip 1302, and a shaft 1310 connected to the head at one end and to the tip at the other end, the shaft being ribbed 1315. , the tip includes a ridge 1320 and the pin has a chamfer 1325 between the shaft and the tip. As shown in FIG. 6C, the seat attachment portion 1350 has a first (upper) surface 1351 and a second (lower) surface 1352 . The lower surface 1352 is secured (eg, welded) to the interior surface of the biocontainer, as described in more detail below.

[0038] The exemplary mounting portion 1350 has a hollow extension 1375 with a central opening 1390 at a first (upper) end 1376 of the extension for receiving the pin 1300; Also included is an attachment chamfer 1326 (shown in FIG. 7B). FIG. 6C shows an extension extending upwards from the first surface 1351, which also extends downwards from the lower surface 1352 and is closed at the second (lower) end (extension (See FIG. 7B) showing another aspect of the impeller assembly 3000A that includes a closed bottom end 1377). When the pin 1300 is fully inserted through the impeller opening 1090 and the mount opening 1390, the ridge 1320 provides a friction fit against the lower portion of the mount chamfer 1326, and the pin chamfer 1325 also provides friction, allowing the pin to attach. prevent it from coming off.

[0039] Figures 7A (perspective view) and Figure 7B (cross-sectional view) show another impeller assembly 3000A according to an aspect of the invention, substantially similar to the aspect shown in Figure 6A. However, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B includes bearing assembly 1400 positioned between the impeller hub and first surface 1351 of seat mounting portion 1350 . Similar to impeller assembly 3000, the exemplary embodiment of impeller assembly 3000A includes pin 1300 fully inserted through impeller opening 1090 and mount opening 1390, with ridge 1320 against the lower portion of mount chamfer 1326. A friction fit is provided and the pin chamfer 1325 also provides friction and prevents the pin from dislodging from the mount.

[0040] Aspects of the present invention are suitable for use in a wide variety of biocontainers and biocontainer systems, preferably disposable biocontainers and biocontainer systems, and/or for maintaining closed, sterile systems. A biocontainer may have, for example, any suitable shape and internal volume, and any number of ports and/or fittings and/or fluid conduits such as tubes. The biocontainer has at least two ports, an inlet port and a drain port, and one or more additional ports, e.g., sampling, venting, (any one of oxygen, temperature, pH one or more) for monitoring and any one or more for additives. The biocontainer comprises a bottom wall, a top wall, and at least one side wall, the side wall(s) being joined to the top wall and the bottom wall.

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary biocontainer system 4000 according to one aspect of the present invention comprising a biocontainer 4001 comprising a closed vessel having an internal volume for containing a fluid. is mounted with one aspect of the impeller system (eg, as shown in FIG. 6A or FIG. 7A). The exemplary biocontainer 4001 comprises a flexible biocontainer bag 4010, the bag having an inlet port 4171, an outlet port 4172, a top wall 4111 forming an interior volume therein, an inner surface 4151 and an outer surface 4152. and opposing sidewalls 4113, 4114, 4115, 4116, and aspects of the impeller system are such that the lower surface 1352 of the seat mount 1350 is secured (eg, welded) to the inner surface 4151 of the biocontainer. installed. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the closed bottom end 1377 of the seat mount extension extends through the exterior surface 4152 of the biocontainer to cooperate with a drive system including a motor for rotating the impeller. there is

[0042] Several materials and manufacturing methods are suitable for manufacturing guards according to aspects of the present invention. Suitable materials include, for example, thermoplastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene (such as high density polyethylene). Suitable manufacturing methods include, for example, injection molding.

[0043] Various impellers are suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention and are commercially available. Suitable impellers include, for example, magnetic and levitation impellers marketed under the names LEVMIXER® mixers and ALLEGRO™ Magnetic Mixers (Pall Corporation, East Hills, NY).

[0044] A variety of biocontainers and biocontainer system impellers are suitable for use with aspects of the invention (ie, impeller systems according to system aspects can be attached to biocontainers) and are commercially available.

[0045] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are individually and specifically indicated that each reference is incorporated by reference and is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Incorporated herein by reference as if written elsewhere.

[0046] The terms "a" and "an" and "the" and "at least one" and similar designations in the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims) The use of subject should be construed to encompass both singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B") is not otherwise indicated herein. Unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context, any single item (A or B) selected from the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B) should be interpreted to mean Unless otherwise specified, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are open-ended terms (i.e., “including but not limited to (meaning "without limitation"). Recitation of ranges of values herein is intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein. only, and each separate value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is merely intended to further clarify the invention, unless otherwise claimed. is not intended to limit the scope of No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0047] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of these preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors do not intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. intended to be Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Upper annular ring 101... Upper surface 102... Lower surface 175... First inner diameter 200... Lower annular ring 275... Second inner diameter 301... First brace member 301A... First brace member front Wall 301B... First brace member rear wall 301C... First brace member outer wall 301D... First brace member inner wall 302... Second brace member 302A... Second brace member front wall 302B... second brace member rear wall 302C... second brace member outer wall 302D... second brace member inner wall 303... third brace member 303A... third brace member front wall 303B... Third brace member rear wall 303C Third brace member outer wall 303D Third brace member inner wall 304 Fourth brace member 304A Fourth brace member front wall 304B Fourth 304C... fourth brace member outer wall, 304D... fourth brace member inner wall, 311... first brace member extension, 311A... arm, 312... second brace member extension, 313... Extension part 314... Extension part 331... First brace member bottom end 332... Second brace member bottom end 333... Third brace member bottom end 334... Fourth brace member Bottom end 351... First protrusion 351A... Upper corner of downwardly bent protrusion 352... Second protrusion 352A... Upper corner of downwardly bent protrusion 353... Third protrusion , 353A...upper corner of downwardly bent protrusion, 354...fourth protrusion, 354A...upper corner of downwardly curved protrusion, 361...vertical slot, 362...vertical slot, 363...vertical slot, 364 ... vertical slot, 371 ... first blade receiving groove, 371A ... first side surface of first blade receiving groove, 371B ... second side surface of first blade receiving groove, 372 ... second blade receiving groove, 372A... the first side surface of the second blade receiving groove, 372B... the second side surface of the second blade receiving groove, 373... the third blade receiving groove, 373A... the first side surface of the third blade receiving groove , 373B... the second side surface of the third blade receiving groove, 374... the fourth blade receiving groove, 374A... the first side surface of the fourth blade receiving groove, 374B... the second side surface of the fourth blade receiving groove Side 381 Catch 382 Catch 383 Catch 384 Catch 391 Hook 392 Hook 393 Hook 394 Hook 500 Guard HA1 Upper annular ring horizontal axis HA2 Lower annular 1000 Impeller 1001 First blade 1001A Blade front surface 1001B Blade rear surface 1002 Second blade 1002A Blade front surface 1002B Blade rear surface 1003 Third blade 3 blades 1003A... blade front surface 1003B... blade rear surface 1004... fourth blade 1004A... blade front surface 1004B... blade rear surface 1011... upper edge 1012... upper edge 1013... upper edge 1014 Upper edge 1021 Outer edge 1022 Outer edge 1023 Outer edge 1024 Outer edge 1031 Upper outer corner 1032 Upper outer corner 1033 Upper outer corner 1034 Upper outer corner 1041 ...lower edge 1042...lower edge 1043...lower edge 1044...lower edge 1051...inner edge 1052...inner edge 1053...inner edge 1054...inner edge 1090...central opening 1100 Hub 1300 Pin 1301 Head 1302 Tip 1310 Shaft 1315 Rib 1320 Rib 1325 Pin chamfer 1326 Internal attachment chamfer 1350 Seat attachment 1351 First (upper) surface 1352 Second (lower) surface 1375 Hollow extension 1376 First (upper) end 1377 Closed lower end 1390 Central opening 1400 Bearing assembly 2000 Impeller assembly 3000 Impeller assembly 3000A Impeller assembly 4000 Bio-container system 4001 Bio-container 4010 Bio-container bag 4111 Top wall 4112 Bottom wall 4113 Side wall 4114 Side wall 4115 Side wall 4116 Side wall 4151 Inner surface 4152 Outer surface 4171 Inlet port 4172 Outlet port

Claims (9)

A guard for an impeller having at least a first blade and a second blade, comprising:
each of the at least first and second blades includes a leading blade surface, a trailing blade surface, an upper edge, an outer edge, an upper outer corner where the upper edge contacts the outer edge, and a lower edge; and an inner edge,
The guard is
(A) an upper annular ring having an upper annular ring horizontal axis and a first inner diameter;
the upper annular ring has an upper surface and a lower surface;
The lower surface is at least
a first blade receiving groove for receiving the upper outer corner of the first blade having a first side and a second side;
an upper annular ring including a second blade-receiving groove having a first side and a second side for receiving the upper outer corner of the second blade;
(B) a lower annular ring having a horizontal axis of the lower annular ring and a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter;
(C) each attached to said upper annular ring and said lower annular ring and each perpendicular to said upper annular ring horizontal axis and said lower annular ring horizontal axis; at least a first brace member and a second brace member vertically disposed between the annular ring;
(1) the first brace member contacting the first brace member front wall, the first brace member rear wall, the first brace member outer wall, and the lower annular ring; and an inner wall, wherein the first brace member front wall or the first brace member rear wall is arranged to face the blade front surface or the blade rear surface of the first blade, forming the second side surface of the blade receiving groove of
(a) said first brace member includes a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of said first blade and a catch for lockably receiving a portion of said lower edge of said first blade; has
(2) the second brace member contacting the second brace member front wall, the second brace member rear wall, the second brace member outer wall, and the lower annular ring; an inner wall, wherein the second brace member front wall or the second brace member rear wall is arranged to face the blade front surface or the blade rear surface of the second blade; forming the second side surface of the blade receiving groove of
(b) said second brace member includes a vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of said second blade and a catch for lockably receiving a portion of said lower edge of said second blade; having a guard. said lower surface of said upper annular ring forming said first side surface of said first blade receiving groove spaced a distance from said blade front surface or said blade rear surface of said first blade; and a second projection forming said first side surface of said second blade receiving groove spaced a distance from said blade front surface or said blade rear surface of said second blade. A guard according to item 1. said first brace member inner wall including a first brace member extension forming a portion of said vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of said first blade; 3. The guard of claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall includes a second brace member extension forming part of said vertical slot for receiving a portion of the inner edge of said second blade. said first brace member having a first brace member bottom end including said catch for lockably receiving said portion of said lower edge of said first blade; has a second brace member bottom end including said catch for lockably receiving said portion of said lower edge of said second blade. 3. The side guard of claim 1 or 2, wherein the catch of the first brace member and the catch of the second brace member each comprise a hook. at least a first blade each having a leading blade surface, a trailing blade surface, an upper edge, an outer edge, an upper outer corner where said upper edge contacts said outer edge, a lower edge, and an inner edge; and a second blade; and
3. An impeller assembly comprising a guard according to claim 1 or 2 attached to the impeller. A method for mounting a guard according to claim 1 or 2 on an impeller, comprising:
placing the inner edges of the impeller blades in vertical slots of respective brace members;
positioning the upper outer corners of the blades of the impeller in respective blade receiving grooves;
and placing lower edges of said blades of said impeller in catches of said respective brace members. 7. The impeller system of claim 6, wherein the impeller has a central opening, the impeller assembly further comprising a pin and a seat mount. (a) a closed vessel having an interior volume suitable for containing a fluid, having a bottom wall, a top wall, and at least one side wall joined to said top wall and said bottom wall; A biocontainer comprising an inlet port and a drain port,
A bio-container system, wherein the bio-container further comprises: (b) the impeller system of claim 8, wherein the impeller is attached to the inner surface of the bottom wall of the bio-container.

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